Supply Chain Apprentice Review
at AstraZeneca
Degree Apprenticeship
Supply Chain Management
Liverpool
Review Submitted: April 2024
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
The roles I undertake are on a rotational basis. I started in Logistics and have now moved into the warehouse. This has linked up with my University course well and has allowed me to transfer the learnings from university to the workplace. Day to day I am working in the warehouse learning how the warehouse works through different roles and operational processes. I have also been involved in different projects to improve processes in the warehouse.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I find the programme very interesting and it has allowed me to develop my confidence. Aston University have ensured we have sufficient time to complete assignments alongside working full time. I have found learning about the product manufactured at my site really interesting. I have been given many opportunities to gain responsibility such as chairing daily meetings and giving presentations to my team.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my interpersonal skills and improved my confidence. This has allowed me to take on challenging roles allowing me to learn new skills such as learning how to book shipments and use the warehouse management system. I have also joined the Apprentice Committee allowing me to connect with other apprentices in different sites across the UK. This has developed my communication skills and is helping me build my network.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured. I am aware of when I need to attend University and aware of University lectures well in advance. The structure of the programme at work is well balanced. I have one day a week where I can complete university work which usually involves a call with Aston University. My rotations have been well structured and I have been able to transfer learnings from my university to my workplace.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I have received excellent support from AZ. From the start of recruitment to working in my team for 7 months all colleagues have been really helpful. My manager has encouraged me to grow my network through apprentice events such as joining the AZ stand at the National Apprentice Show North West. To gain more knowledge for assignments I have reached out to different departments who have all helped me learn new skills and develop my knowledge of both the AZ business and the product manufactured at my site.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Aston University have provided great support when completing assignments. I have been assigned a mentor who has quarterly check in calls with both me and my manager to keep my manger informed of my university progress and to ensure I am receiving the right support from my employer. Aston University have weekly calls with my cohort to teach new content for the next assignment. These also enable me to ask any questions.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The qualification through Aston University has helped me perform better in my role by teaching content that is relevant to my rotations at work. This has been down to my manager linking the university timetable with my learning plan. Aston University have ensured the content learnt at university caters for all supply chain aspects. This means that I am able to link up content learnt at university to work really well.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are many extra-curricular activities to get involved with in AZ. Since starting in last September I have joined the Apprentice Committee, been to networking events at another site in the North West, and I have also been to one of the National Apprentice Shows for the North West to represent AZ.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great employer that values and is keen to develop their employees. Offers a great number of opportunities to develop in different areas and support to achieve goals.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Make sure you understand the AZ Values. Ensure you have some background knowledge about the company to show you have researched. Showcase what you have achieved so far such as volunteering, part time jobs or qualifications. Talk about sports clubs or extra curricular activities you do to demonstrate commitment.
